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Small (True Bantams / Small Breeds)

Silky

Pekin bantam

It is important to keep them secure as they can be vulnerable to attack by cats and other predators due to their small size.

There are no large (or standard) breeds of true bantams.

True bantams are very friendly, so make excellent pets, particulalry if you want them to sit on you. They love being patted.

They lay a small egg small egg (as shown in photos below). When cooking you would usually use 2 eggs when the recipe says 1 egg – they have more yolk than white compared to other eggs – if you are just using the white you would need 3 eggs.

They will do less damage to your garden than other chickens, particularly the breeds with feathered feet.

Chickens with feathered feet can get muddy feet and may need their feathers to be trimmed. They are also more prone to scaly leg mite.

Most are prone to being clucky/ broody, which is great if you want to raise chicks, but also contributes to them being poor egg layers.

Belgian d'Uccle

Belgian d'Uccles are popular pets due to their appearance and extremely gentle and friendly nature. These chickens really enjoy having a cuddle, but are not good layers. Although they will lay 5 eggs a week, in season, because they are prone to broodiness they may go 'off the lay' during the season.

It is important to keep them secure as they can be vulnerable to attack by cats and other predators due to their small size. They can go clucky, so can be used to raise chicks.

Pekins are popular pets due to their appearance and extremely gentle and friendly nature. It is important to keep them secure as they can be vulnerable to attack by cats and other predators due to their small size. Pekins can go clucky, so can be used to raise chicks. In my experience these chickens make the best mothers.

Silkys are not a true bantam as the standard is a medium sized chicken, but most Silkies bred in Australia are small in size, which is why they have been included in this group.

Silkies are the most well known of the small breed chickens and are popular due to their fluffy appearance and docile nature. However, they are not as hardy as other chickens as their feathers are not waterproof. They are also not as intelligent as other breeds, which makes them appear friendly. Unfortunately this can mean that a Silky will not avoid the rain or other conditions that can be detrimental to its health. This can also make them more prone to attack by cats or other predators.

They lay a small egg and can have a short season as they often go clucky after laying a small number of eggs, so can be used to raise chicks.